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Publisher's Summary

Suleiman the Magnificent is the story of the Ottoman Turks' greatest leader. He came to power at the early age of 25 in 1520. Before his death in 1566, he had altered the power structure and geography of Eastern Europe, and Turkey had become the dominant naval power in the Mediterranean. Suleiman's reign would mark the high tide of Turkish power in Asia Minor and Europe. His widespread conquests began with the taking of Belgrade and the surrender of Rhodes then surged on to Budapest, Tabriz, Baghdad, Aden, and Algiers, making the Turks' power feared and respected as far west as Paris and London.

This is a stirring drama of conquest and naked power. It is also the personal story of the sultan and his household and the less spectacular - but in some ways more deadly - play and counterplay of ambition and jealousy in the palace...particularly in the harem. It is a time of great adventure and great romance.

great book great for history buffs

great for history buffs, not for casual readers. based off of Suleiman's personal laconic diary, court records and historians notes, Harold lamb weaves a detailed record of events from Suleimans coronation to the domination of the Mediterranean to his turbulent family life. beautiful, I recommend it.

Great Non-Western History

Much of the history most Americans learn is filtered through the lens of western civilization. This is a look at the family responsible for the founding of the Ottoman Empire. The history is focused mostly on the life of Suleiman and his interactions and not at all an integrated history. Nevertheless I enjoyed the non-western perspective of the Ottomans.

I just re-listened to this book after stumbling upon the Turkish TV series about Suleiman.It was well worth the re-listen.

The narration is clear, but a bit slow and mono-tonal.

I also really liked another non-western history Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World.